Fiat’s performance car division Abarth have released the first details concerning their Assetto Corse 147kW Fiat 500, destined for the racetracks of Europe in 2009.

The Assetto Corse version of the petite 500 Abarth takes up the baton from its forerunner, the ‘595’ that notched up numerous successes and victories from 1963 and led to the coining of the description ‘small but deadly’.

The Assetto Corse version of the 500 gets the full racing kit and in doing so confirms Abarths intention to return to the race track. Race ready features include a wide track, white 17’ special ultralight racing wheels, low ride, sports racing mirrors and a place for a number on the sides.

Available in pastel grey with red Abarth side stripes, the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ reveals an aggressive front end that houses a badge bearing the Abarth scorpion logo and, below this, wide bumpers complete with an aerodynamic spoiler and screen-printed grilles to replace the plastic louvres on the standard production version. In addition to the classic bonnet clips, the bonnet houses two carbon air intakes also adorned with the Abarth logo.

The rear part of the Assetto Corse features a twin exhaust pipe, white winged spoiler and you guessed it, some Abarth badges.

Abarth are not being shy about their re-entry to circuit racing with a thunderbolt logo on the side representing the brand’s racing image and a red band and four white chequers on the roof, just as on the winning Abarth 850TC version of the 1960s.

Inside, the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ is equipped with a roll-bar type-approved for racing that is completely hollow to make the car lighter and faster which combined with other weight saving measures sees the Assetto Corse weigh in 180 kg less than the road version. The anatomical seats, racing steering wheel and carbon door panels all help to transform the 500 from road-car to racer.

In typical Italian style, Abarth has even provided a clothing set for the driver, that will be delivered in an original Abarth-branded leather bag. Owners of the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ will be able to wander pit-lane in overalls, helmets, gloves and shoes, all branded with the ‘Assetto Corse’ logo.